Rick Haugerud, a lifelong Nebraskan and alum with 30-plus years of experience in information technology at the University of Nebraska, has been named interim chief information officer at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Bret Blackman, vice president for information technology and CIO for the NU system, announced the appointment. Haugerud succeeds Heath Tuttle, who is leaving Nebraska to become CIO at the University of Buffalo. Haugerud’s appointment took effect July 1 to ensure a seamless transition before Tuttle assumes his new role at Buffalo on Aug. 1.
Haugerud — who began his career at Nebraska as a student worker in UNL’s Telecommunications Center in 1984 — has been serving as assistant vice president for IT security for the NU system, overseeing information security and serving as a member of the Information Technology Services senior leadership team. He will retain those duties for the interim period. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UNL and has been involved in the Big Ten Academic Alliance, Educause and the Midwest Higher Education Compact, among other higher education and IT-focused groups.
“Rick is well-respected across the UNL campus and the university system for his outstanding leadership, deep experience and collaborative approach,” Blackman said. “I’m thrilled that he has agreed to step up and serve in this additional capacity and I know he will provide steady and trusted leadership through the transition period.”
Working with Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, NU system president, and Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett, Blackman is developing plans for future IT leadership on the Lincoln campus. Details will be announced.
